Title

Author

Date of Award

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Program

Engineering

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Major Professor

Kura, Bhaskar

Second Advisor

Cothren, Gianna

Third Advisor

McManis, Kenneth

Abstract

Dry abrasive blasting is a surface preparation process used in shipyards for cleaning the surfaces of the metal plates to be used in various components of the ship. Commonly used abrasives include sand, steel grit, mineral abrasives, metallic abrasives, and synthetic abrasives. The basic objective of this study was to understand the environmental performance of two abrasives, Steel Grit and Specialty Sand. The project was funded by the Gulf Coast Region Maritime technology Center (GCRMTC) and USEPA. It simulated actual blasting operations conducted at shipyards under enclosed, controlled conditions on plates similar to steel plates commonly blasted at shipyards. The emissions were measured using EPA Source Test Method to quantify particulate emissions. Steel Grit was observed to be more productive, less consuming, and more environmentally friendly compared to Specialty Sand. The findings obtained in this study will be valuable in reducing costs, improving productivity, and protecting the environment.

Rights

The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.

Recommended Citation

Silvadasan, Xavier, "Environmental Performance of Steel Grit and Specialty Sand as Abrasives" (2004). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 200.
http://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/200